Repeat prescriptions

Repeat prescriptions allow the same prescription to be dispensed more than once. A repeat prescription must be dispensed for the first time within six months of the date on the prescription.

After this, the repeat prescription can continue to be valid beyond six months, according to the directions on the prescription.

Controlled drugs

Some prescription medicines are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation. These include morphine, pethidine and methadone. These medicines are sometimes misused, so strict legal controls apply to their supply, to prevent them being obtained inappropriately.

A prescription for a controlled drug is valid for 28 days from the date on the prescription. If you have a prescription for a controlled drug that states the drug should be dispensed in several instalments, the first instalment must be dispensed within 28 days of the date on the prescription.